I had a lot of growing up to do when I first got to UCLA. I came from the smallest high school in a small city. Read more...

Photo: (Michael Zshornack/Photo editor)

On Monday night of week seven, I stumbled upon a Facebook post sharing an article titled “Data, teachers’ allegations undermine Gompers’ college-ready promise.” Gompers Preparatory Academy was the high school I graduated from. Read more...

Photo: (Michael Zshornack/Photo editor)

I was in my first college discussion section. Italian history. The syllabus encouraged class participation to earn the highest grade. Our TA kicked off the section by asking about our thoughts on the reading. Read more...

Photo: (Michael Zshornack/Photo editor)

I spent most of my formative years thinking of openers for my college admissions essays. I had this distaste for those who sought to build Ivy League reputations that was ironic, really, given that I was preoccupied with college in my own right. Read more...

Photo: (Michael Zshornack/Photo editor)

Two weeks ago, as I sat in the Daily Bruin office with tears of frustration streaming down my face, I thought I had an idea of how this column would go. Read more...

Photo: (Michael Zshornack/Photo Editor)

I was stupid. Here’s why. When I first entered the Daily Bruin staff room during an open house my sophomore year, I embraced what had been a dream of mine: I was in an actual newsroom, a place I never figured I’d be during my collegiate career. Read more...

Photo: (Michael Zshornack/Photo editor)

I remember waiting last year for -30- column drafts to come in, and everyone would offer the same excuse: “It’s so hard, I don’t know what to write!” Now I’m three days past deadline and the new Opinion editor is badgering me to finish spewing whatever sentimental bullshit I’ve accumulated over the past four years. Read more...

Photo: (Michael Zshornack/Photo Editor)